Cape Winemakers Guild
The medieval-sounding term was used to describe the association of merchants to protect common interests. This is also the purpose of the South African Cape Winemakers Guild, a group of selected winemakers who have been sharing innovations, analysing competition and exchanging knowledge for 33 years.
Members
Membership is extended by invitation to winemakers who are recognised for their high level of craftsmanship and who have been responsible for the production of outstanding wines for at least five years. The Guild always has around 40-50 members, the best winemakers in South Africa, who represent the pinnacle of South African wine achievement and are all experts in their respective fields. They play a significant role in areas ranging from the production of South African fortified wines, the Méthode Cape Classique and Cape Blends to the development of new, cooler wine regions and the introduction of sustainable, environmentally conscious farming practices.
The CWG meets regularly as a technical tasting group, providing its members with the opportunity to evaluate wines from around the world, share their knowledge and ideas, and ensure that members are at the forefront of the art and science of winemaking.
CWG Auction
The great Nedbank Cape Winemakers Gilde Auction takes place annually. Each winemaker presents the wine he/she has created especially for the auction. The wines are bottled under the Cape Winemakers Gilde label and comprise between 180 and 600 bottles, depending on the winemaker. Each member submits their two best wines for blind tasting. 60 wines are selected for the auction and sold to the highest bidder at the auction. Anyone can take part in the auction, but specialist customers such as restaurants, hotels, wine merchants and importers are particularly attracted.
Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Foundation
The Foundation was established in 1999 to support social development through education in the South African wine industry. Funded by donations and proceeds raised by Guild members at charity events throughout the year, the Foundation currently focuses on four main projects: - Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme (oenology and viticulture)
By cultivating, nurturing and empowering promising oenologists and winemakers, the Cape Winkers Guild Protégé Programme plays an active role in transforming the industry to ensure long-term sustainability and health. The Protégé Programme is a 3-year training programme that gives winemakers and viticulturists the opportunity to work and learn alongside members. Protégés are supported in applied life skills, wine tasting and business courses designed to set them on the path to success as future leaders in the South African wine industry. Since its inception in 2006, 24 winegrowers and winemakers have participated in the programme.
- Scholarships for the final year and postgraduate studies
The Protégé Programme also offers Billy Hofmeter AgriSeta Scholarships up to final year Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and Elsenburg Agricultural College.
- Wine training for South African wine
In 2014, Nedbank CWG Development Trust and Wine Training Southafrica came together to promote and support wine training courses. This has enabled Wine Training South Africa to establish a recognised national qualification where winemakers can develop and advance their skills.
- Centres of Excellence (Circle of Excellence )
There are only four women in this illustrious company, Erika Obermeyer, Rianie Strydom (Strydom Vineyards, Haskell), Samantha O'Keefe (Lismore Estate Vineyards) and Andrea Mullineux, strong women with strong wines.
This is a support and mentoring programme that encourages cellar workers to develop their knowledge and focus on further training.
Trustee
Louis Strydom, Ernie Els Wines-
Chairman
Jana Wiese, Nedgroup Trust Limited Francois Laude,
Honorary Member of the CWG
Gerard Martin, Winetech
Honorary members:
Jan Coltzee
Achim von Arnim
Peter Finlayson
Kevin Arnold
Braam van Velden
Francois Naude
James Browne
Johann Krige
Norma Ratcliffe
Walter Finlayson
Etienne le Riche
The following winemakers complete the list, unfortunately we do not have any wines from these winemakers in our range:
Sebastian Beaumont
Bartho Eksteen
David Finlayson
Dewaldt Heyns
Gary Jordan
Lukas von Loggerenberg
Gottfried Mocke
Gordon Newton Johnson
Christo le Riche
Frans Smit
Coenie Snyman
Dannie Steytler
Hannes Storm
Rianie Strydom
Graham Weerts
Members who do not produce wine for the guild:
Jeremy Walker
Jeff Grier
Johan Malan
Carel Nel